Yesterday, the branch of the Iraqi Canadian Association in Montreal celebrated International Women's Day, which also coincides with its founding date three years ago.

The event was held in the name of the late British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid and was marked by the current events in Gaza.

In her opening speech, Yasmin Alward, the event host, asked the attendees to observe a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the war ongoing for five months in Gaza.

Intisar Al-Nasiri, the chairperson of the association, said, "Today we celebrate the spirit of creativity that characterizes Arab women." She also mentioned the Palestinian woman.

Today we celebrate the spirit of sacrifice embodied by the Palestinian woman. We emphasize the necessity of achieving equality, social and economic justice. We continue our support and appreciation for her and work together for a future that carries freedom, peace, and justice for all.

The Iraqi Canadian Association was established in 1991 in Mississauga. In an interview with Radio Canada International, Intisar Al-Nasiri explained that "the association was initially established in [the province of] Ontario, where the largest number of Iraqis reside in Canada."

In 2021, the association was converted into an organization governed by federal law, which allowed the establishment of branches outside Ontario, including the Montreal branch.

The association was not born due to this administrative matter, but according to Intisar Al-Nasiri, "people in the diaspora saw that change in Iraq was difficult after years of war. However, in 2021, there was a youth movement [in Iraq] demanding their rights, change, and a better life. This cultivated in us the feeling that there is hope for change, so we came to support those inside while being present abroad."

She said this support is "national and not political." Sharing her opinion, Mohammad Jawad, a member of the association, said in an interview with Radio Canada International, "We support change to advance the country."

The association has conducted awareness campaigns directed at women in Iraq. The wars that Iraq witnessed in the last two decades led to a significant increase in the number of widows and orphans.

"We opened sewing centers in different areas and provinces in Iraq to empower women who sew and sell," she said.

According to Mohammad Jawad, a member of the association, "the number of Iraqis in Quebec ranges between 7,000 and 8,000." There is a larger number in Ontario "[in cities such as] Kitchener, Windsor, Mississauga, Toronto where there is a clear presence of the Iraqi community, and fewer in Vancouver," he added.

Hala Al-Obaidi and Haneen Omeid
On the occasion of International Women's Day, the association presented certificates of appreciation to both Hala Al-Obaidi and Haneen Omeid, who are of Iraqi origin and reside in Montreal.

On the occasion of International Women's Day, the association presented certificates of appreciation to both Hala Al-Obaidi and Haneen Omeid, who are of Iraqi origin and reside in Montreal.

Hala Al-Obaidi emigrated to Canada about 30 years ago. In Iraq, she worked as a chemical engineer.

She said she loved social work more than engineering work.

In Canada, she volunteered in several associations concerned with the Iraqi community. Hala Al-Obaidi has been managing the community council in the "Notre Dame de Grâce" neighborhood in Montreal for 19 years.

In the youth category, civil activist Haneen Omeid, aged 18, was honored. She immigrated to Canada with her family four years ago.

She said she loves Canada for the freedom of expression enjoyed in this country. She explained that she utilized this freedom to express her support for the Palestinians and to participate in the demonstrations organized in Montreal.

This young woman resides in the south suburb of Montreal Island where there "were no demonstrations [supporting Palestinians]," she said.

She and a group of youth started preparing to organize a demonstration. They were able to do so last week.

It is not necessary for the honored woman to be a member of the association, as Intisar Al-Nasiri explained.